Job and Internship Search

Student ResourcesJob and Internship Search

When beginning a job or internship search, there are many things to think about and prepare. If you are unsure of the career direction you would like to go, meeting with a Career Advisor may help you focus your search. Determining a few specifics about your goals and criteria for future job or internship prospects will help you find opportunities that are more relevant to your major and career field.

Virtual Job and Internship Search ResourcesIn response to Covid-19, we put together this quick resource guide to help you in your job or internship search. We are all in this together. Please reach out if there is something we can assist you with.

CSP Career Development along with CSP faculty and staff are here to support you as best we can during this uncertain time. Please explore the resources we have available throughout the CSP Career Development website. We created this easy to access section specifically in response to the changing nature of our economy.

In addition to the resources listed below, a reminder of resources that are available to you:

1:1 phone appointments with Career Development staff (Andrea and Esther)

Start your search by assessing what you have to offer and what your interests are. The more you can clarify the type of position you are seeking, and what you have to offer, the more strategic you can be in your search. To begin, explore how you may answer some of the following questions:

What are your career values and how do you want them to be fulfilled in your future position? (Flexible schedule, advancement opportunities, professional growth, and an attractive wage)

In what environment would you like to work? (Corporate, small business, educational, non-profit, healthcare, government, etc.)

What population are you interested in working with or serving? (Children/youth, business people, educators, lawyers, healthcare providers, artists, etc.)

What topics are you excited to explore? (Marketing/advertising, sports and fitness, education, art, social justice, environmentalism, etc.)

It is important to have a polished resume and cover letter when applying to positions. In many cases, this is your first impression. Take time to review what the position is seeking, take an inventory of what you have to offer, and then craft your resume to show you are the right fit. Use our resume and cover letter resources to get started!

There are many online job and internship boards you can utilize depending on the specifics of your search. While job boards are a component of your search, don’t forget about face to face networking and the opportunities you can find there.

When we think about our “dream job” or doing what we are called to do, how often do we take the time to think about the process to obtaining our dream job or feeling we are doing what we were called to do? We don’t just mean the process of applying to jobs, but obtaining the skills through various experiences and opportunities.

Be open to opportunities you don’t see as a direct fit. You never know what path an opportunity will lead you down.

For example, as a student you could gain experience by:

Studying abroad

Joining a CSP club or organization

Joining a professional association related to your current or desired field of work

Volunteering in your community

Completing an internship

Obtaining part-time work

More formally, when it comes to job searching or accepting an offer, your major should not limit you to your career options. For example, just because you are a theater major doesn’t mean success is defined by working in a theater. What other skills have you gained throughout your education and experience? Possibly critical thinking, creativity, communication. As long as you are applying those skills in a future role you are using your degree!

Employment Agencies can be a great opportunity to partner with when seeking employment. The goal of an employment agency is to work with an employer to understand their culture and hiring needs and then find qualified candidates. There should be no fees involved when working with a recruiter, so be sure to read the fine print before you sign any contracts. It is also important to note that some employment agencies fill positions for general work, while other agencies are targeted at a certain field such as accounting or teaching. As always, trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, research the organization and check with the Better Business Bureau in your area.